ROME — Renowned Italian artist Arnaldo Pomodoro, famed for his intricate bronze sculptures, passed away at 98, just a day shy of his 99th birthday, his foundation announced on Monday. Pomodoro’s death occurred on Sunday at his residence in Milan, according to Carlotta Montebello, director general of the Arnaldo Pomodoro Foundation.
Pomodoro is celebrated for his large-scale bronze spheres that grace prestigious locations including the Vatican and the United Nations. These creations are admired for their striking appearance—smooth, polished globes with intricate interiors that seem clawed apart. The artist described these as indicative of the contrast between the allure of outward perfection and the complexities that lie beneath.
Italian Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli, in a tribute, reflected on the significance of Pomodoro’s art. He noted that the ‘wounded’ spheres echo messages about the delicate and multifaceted nature of humanity and the world at large.
One of Pomodoro’s renowned works is situated in the Vatican’s Pigna Courtyard. This piece, equipped with a mechanism that moves with the breeze, highlights Pomodoro’s focus on the fractures and eroded sections symbolizing the destructive potential of contemporary disillusionment. According to the Vatican, Pomodoro expressed that these elements were reflective of modern times.
In New York, the United Nations boasts its own celebrated Pomodoro piece—a 3.3-meter (10 foot, eight inch) “Sphere Within Sphere,” presented by Italy in 1996 to commemorate the new millennium. Speaking of this piece, the U.N. elaborates that it embodies a vision for a hopeful, less tumultuous future through its detailed interior structures.
Arnaldo Pomodoro’s work can also be found in various museums worldwide and prominently outside the Italian foreign ministry. The latter hosts the original 1966 sphere unveiled at the Montreal Expo, marking the commencement of his remarkable series.
Born in the region of Montefeltro on June 23, 1926, Pomodoro’s artistic influence extended beyond sculpture. He contributed to theatrical set designs, crafted land projects, and invented machines. His extensive career included retrospectives celebrating his work and teaching stints at institutions including Stanford University, the University of California at Berkeley, and Mills College, as detailed by his foundation’s biography.